Haridwar is one of the holiest cities, not only in Uttarakhand but in the whole of India. Haridwar is a huge pilgrimage destination for millions of Hindus worldwide. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the state of Uttarakhand. Ganga flows through Haridwar and the ghats or river banks are places where devotees take a holy dip.
Haridwar has some of the most sacred and spiritual temples in Uttarakhand. In any of the Uttarakhand tour packages, you can visit Haridwar. There are ashrams which are places to do meditation, Yoga, and get spiritual guidance. The Kumbh Mela is one of the greatest Hindu festivals in Haridwar. There are such wonderful places to visit in Haridwar and some of the best are shown below.
Har ki Pauri is the greatest tourist place in Haridwar. This is a bathing ghat on the Ganga which is visited by great spiritual saints, sadhus, and the common man. Har ki Pauri is the place where the nectar of the gods fell from the heavens. King Vikramaditya originally built Har ki Pauri during ancient times. Brahmakund in Har ki Pauri has the footprint of Lord Vishnu. Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri is a 30-45 minute event that is full of devotional energy and spiritual significance. There are innumerable temples in the Har ki Pauri area and this part of Haridwar is generally full of tourists and devotees.
The most famous temple in Haridwar is Mansa Devi Temple. The temple is built atop a small hill called Bilwa Parwat. There is a ropeway service to reach this temple which is also known as Mansa Devi Udankhatola. Mansa Devi Temple is one of the Siddhapeeth temples in Haridwar. Devotees also take a 3 km trekking route to reach Mansa Devi Temple. Mansa Devi is a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged out of Shiva’s mind. You can view the town of Haridwar and the smooth flowing Ganga from atop the Mansa Devi Temple.
Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Haridwar. It is built on a hill called Neel Parwat. Chandi Devi Temple is a renowned Siddhapeeth temple as it fulfills the wishes of its devotees. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have built the original temple. Later on, the king of Kashmir rebuilt this temple. Chandi Devi Temple is a temple of a divine form of Shakti called Chandika. According to Hindu mythology, it is on Neel Parwat that the goddess Chandika killed the demons Chand-Mund and Shumbh-Nikumbh.
Patanjali Yogpeeth is one of the major tourist attractions in Haridwar. The famous Yoga guru Baba Ramdev established Patanjali Yogpeeth. This is essentially a research institute and medical center that focuses on Ayurvedic medicines. The huge campus has facilities like research centers, hospitals, laboratories, a university, a food and herbal park, canteen residential camps, etc. Patanjali, who was one of the major sages in India and the founder of Yoga and other Sanskrit texts is the main inspiration behind the founding of this famous institution in Haridwar.
Ma Anandmayi Ashram is one of the many spiritual places to visit in Haridwar. Ma Anandmayi, who was a famous saint and spiritual person, is the main inspiration behind this spiritual ashram. This place holds the mortal remains of Ma Anandmayi. Ma Anandmayi Ashram is located in the town of Kankhal which is close to Haridwar. You can visit the campus area of this ashram. The places like Shankaracharya Hall, Ati Rudra Yagnashala, Rudraksha Tree, Gayatri Yagnashala, Ma Anandmayi Museum, Annapurnasthal, and Ma Anandmayi Vidtyapeeth in this ashram.
The most interesting thing about Bharat Mata Mandir is that it is not dedicated to any god. India, which is also considered to be Bharat Mata, is personified as a goddess and this temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata. There are eight floors in this temple, and every floor is designed according to a theme. The floors are devoted and themed on patriots, freedom fighters, saints, sages, scientists, philosophers, avatars of Lord Vishnu, Indian gods and goddesses, and various other Indian personalities. There are wall paintings, intricate sculptures, idols, and murals on the walls. Swami Satyamitranand Giri established this unique temple in 1983.
Haridwar is a place of temples, and Daksh Mahadev is one of the best temples that you can visit in Haridwar. Daksh Mahadev Temple is a temple of Lord Shiva. This temple is named after Daksh Prajapati, who was the son of Lord Brahma. There is a very famous story of Daksh Prajapati in Hindu mythological scriptures. These stories are shown through various sculptures and paintings on the walls of this temple. There is a banyan tree in this temple, which is almost 1000 years old. Daksh Mahadev Temple is also famous by the name of Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple. The temple is in Kankhal town near Haridwar.
Saptrishi Ashram is one of the highest spiritual and religious places that you must visit on your trip to Haridwar. It is very holy and it is believed that the river Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place. It is said the seven great sages of Hindu mythology once meditated at this place. Ganga river is separated into seven currents at this place. She did do, as she thought that the loud sounds of her rushing waters were disturbing the meditation of these seven sages. Due to its tremendous religious importance, Saptrishi Ashram is a highly revered place in Haridwar. There is a hostel here and a school where poor children are taught the Sanskrit language.
Maya Devi Temple is regarded as among the oldest temples in Haridwar. The temple was built somewhere around the 11th century. Maya Devi Temple is also one of the Shaktipeeth, located in Haridwar. It is said that the navel and heart of Sati fell at this place. Maya Devi is a divine form of Shakti, the mother goddess, in Hindu mythology. She is also the guardian deity of Haridwar, and Haridwar was earlier known as Mayapuri. Mayapuri Temple has the idol of the goddess Maya, along with the idols of Goddess Kali and goddess Kamakhya. Maya Devi Temple is also a Siddhapeeth temple and forms part of the trinity of temples. Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple are the other Siddhapeeth temples in Haridwar.
Jai Ram Ashram is a famous religious and spiritual place to visit on your tour of Haridwar. It is famous for its religious and medical services. The ashram runs a charitable hospital and Homeopathic dispensary. It offers free medical camps, medical check-ups, and free lodging and stays. Bhajans and satsangs are part of the daily chores in this ashram. The ashram teaches Vedic literature, Sanskrit language, and Vedic practices on its premises. The ashram holds eye camps, where eye check-ups and consultations are offered free of cost to poor people.
Haridwar has several temples and one such temple is Doodhdhari Barfani Temple. This temple is made of white marble stone, and it has beautiful eye-catching architecture. Doodhdhari Barfani Temple is near Har ki Pauri, on the Haridwar Rishikesh Highway. The temple is in an ashram called Doodhdhari Barfani Ashram. The temple has beautifully carved idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Hanuman. The interiors of this temple are very spacious and full of peace and tranquillity. There are several other smaller shrines in this ashram.
If you want to go for bird-watching tours near Haridwar, the best place would be Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar. Migratory birds like Siberian Crane, Flamingos, come here during the winter season. You can even spot some other birds here. This is a great and exciting place for nature lovers and tourists who visit Haridwar. The area is full of marshes and mangrove forests, and it is the best place for bird watching. Other attractions of Haridwar like Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple are very close to Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar.
Another huge tourist attraction in Haridwar is Pawan Dham. This is a religious and devotional site where there are various idols of Hindu deities. The main attractions of Pawan Dham are the idols themselves, which are sculpted with great artistic skill and have precious jewels embedded in them. The glass cases in which these idols are kept and the colorful glass beads and semi-precious jewels with which these idols are made make a stunning display. Moreover, Pawan Dham has brilliant architecture. The devotional vibes of this place draw tourists to this place. The majestic sculptured idol of Lord Krishna preaching the Gita to Arjun is particularly beautiful. Pawan Dham is a non-profit organization that was founded by Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj.
Parad Shivlinga is a shiv linga in Harihar Ashram near Haridwar. The amazing thing about this shiv linga is that it is made of mercury and weighs 150 kg. The name of this shiv linga comes from ‘parad’ which means the metal mercury. Apart from the shiv linga, there is an old Rudraksha tree in the ashram. The tree is very old and tourists who come here to visit the temple pluck the rudraksha beads from the tree and wear it as a good luck charm. The premises of this ashram also has a temple called Maha Mrityunjaya Mandir, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Because of the amazing mercury shiv linga, this temple and ashram have become very famous in Haridwar.
Bhimgoda Tank is a water tank in Haridwar that has become famous due to its mythological legend. According to Hindu mythology, this tank is named after Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. Water from this tank sprung from this spot when Bhima thrust his knee into the ground. Bhimgoda Tank is within walking distance from Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by foot.
In Haridwar, Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the unique temples that you can visit. Vaishno Devi Temple is built in such a way that tourists feel like entering the famous Vaishno Devi hilltop shrine at Jammu. There are tunnels and caves through which you will have to crawl your way to enter the inner shrines. There are idols of the three most important Hindu goddesses and they are Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas are also made here. Because of its unique architecture and interesting theme, Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar draws most tourists who come to Haridwar for a pilgrimage tour.
Birla Ghat is a very old ghat on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. This ghat is very close to Vishnu Ghat. You will find infinite peace and tranquillity when you sit on this ghat. There are many shops and temples around this ghat. You can take the stairs to reach this ghat. Many eateries and stalls are located close to this ghat. Birla Ghat is one of the best ghats in Haridwar to enjoy the culture and spiritual vibes of Haridwar.
Haridwar is full of river ghats which are used for bathing and also for relaxation. Kushavarta Ghat is one such ghat that you visit in Haridwar. This ghat is used for the Shraadha ritual, which is the main ritual practiced for the dead family members. Kushavarta Ghat is a very old ghat, and the great Hindu deity Dattatreya meditated here for many years. In the 18th century, Ahilya Bai Holkar, the great queen of the Maratha Empire, rebuilt Kushavarta Ghat. Devotees can be seen taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga and praying to god to give peace to the departed souls. Brahmins can be seen doing puja on this ghat.
Shanti Kunj is one of the most famous ashrams in Haridwar. Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya established Shanti Kunj in 1971. The ashram is a center to learn about spiritual and moral values. There are daily bhajans and aarti at Shanti Kunj. Rooms are available for a stay to students. Training and guidance are given on spirituality, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga, and other Hindu traditions. Shanti Kunj runs a research institute and a residential university. It also offers Ayurvedic treatment to devotees. Shanti Kunj is so famous that renowned personalities like Dalai Lama and Morari Bapu have visited it.
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is part of Rajaji National Park in Haridwar. It was established in 1977 and was later merged with Motichur sanctuary to form Rajaji National Park. This wildlife sanctuary offers magnificent views of the Ganga and also the foothills of the Himalayas. You can go on a jeep safari and spot such wonderful creatures like the peacock, barking deer, hornbills, vultures, falcons, wild boar, etc. You can also enjoy an elephant ride here. Tourists can stay in the rest house in the sanctuary.
Hindu temples in Hardiwar are its most striking tourist attractions. One of the most beautiful temples that you can visit in Haridwar is Adbhut Mandir. Due to its wonderful architecture, Adbhut Mandir impresses anyone who visits it during their Haridwar tour. Everything about this temple justifies the name of this temple. The idols, sculptures, architecture, and décor, are something that you must pay special attention to when you visit this temple. Mahamandleshwar Bhooma Pithadhiswar Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj is the founder of this temple. It took 16 years for the artisans to complete building this temple.
Among the many temples in Haridwar, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a very famous Shiva temple. This temple is close to both Haridwar Railway Station and Har ki Pauri. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the main deities of this temple. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be at the same place where Goddess Parvati meditated for many years so that Lord Shiva can accept her as his wife. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in a wooded area, and there is greenery everywhere. There is a Bilwa tree, whose leaves are offered to Lord Shiva as an offering. Tourists visit this temple as it is very accessible on foot.
In Haridwar, there are a few parks and one of them is Swami Vivekananda Park. This park is very beautiful and is located on the banks of the Ganga. The lush greenery of this park makes the atmosphere very serene and peaceful. There is a statue of Swami Vivekananda and Lord Shiva in this park. Skilled artisans have very beautifully crafted both these statues. You can enter this park without paying any entry fee. Tourists get a beautiful view of Har ki Pauri ghat from this park. They can spend some time in the peaceful environs of Swami Vivekananda Park on their tour of Haridwar.
Bhuma Niketan is a Hindu shrine in Haridwar which is famous for its life-like sculptures of Hindu mythological deities. The idols here are crafted with intricate details and they look amazingly realistic and beautiful. Swami Shri Bhumananda Teerth Ji is the founder of this temple. The ashram called Bhuma Niketan Ashram in which this temple is situated has many fountains. It is also a place to stay when you are in Haridwar. The ashram is founded on the principles and teachings of the great Indian saint, Adi Shankaracharya. The ashram offers various humanitarian services like community marriage ceremonies, accommodation, food for the needy, etc.
Gau Ghat is named after the cow, which is considered very holy by all Hindus. It is also refers to the celestial cow called Kamdhenu, which produced endless food. Gau Ghat is on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. This ghat celebrates the cow, who is never killed by anyone, and if anybody does kill a cow, they come here for repentance and wash away the sin. People also visit Gau Ghat to pray to gods to give peace to the souls of their departed family members. Gau Ghat is an immensely holy ghat in Haridwar. It is here at Gau Ghat that the ashes of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi were scattered.
Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple is located in the vicinity of Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple has a very pleasant and holy atmosphere. Devotees offer coconut, milk, and flowers to the shiv linga. The shiv linga is considered to be a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. Incense sticks and the chants of devotional songs further make the environs of this temple very peaceful and tranquil. The Himalayan hills make a scenic backdrop to this temple.
You can visit the Sureshwari Devi Mandir on your trip to Haridwar. This temple is situated in a forested area within Rajaji National Park. It is on the outskirts of Haridwar. Sureshwari Devi Mandir is a temple of a divine form of Goddess Durga. The greenery which surrounds this temple makes it an even more pleasant place to visit. You will love the natural landscapes in which the temple is situated.
Prem Nagar Ashram is one of the beautiful places to visit in Haridwar. It is a peaceful place where bhajans and kirtans are sung daily. The ashram has a beautiful garden with around 250 types of flowers growing. There is a grove known as Panch Pallava which consists of five trees that grow together. Yogiraj Satgurudev Shri Hans Ji Maharaj established the ashram in 1943. The ashram organized various medical camps for patients. Besides this, the ashram also offers Yoga and meditation practices for devotees. It also organizes a sound and light show for tourists. Rooms are available for stay. The ashram offers a good view of the peaks of Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple.
If you want to have some fun and excitement in Haridwar, then Crystal World Water Park is the best place to be. This is a theme park where children will have more fun. They can go on different rides and water slides. There are over 18 such rides here. A 5D water ride is a special attraction here. Crystal World Water Park is the best venue in Haridwar for total family fun and entertainment. People come here to host weddings, private functions, and other celebrations.
One of the best places in Haridwar to have fun and get some entertainment is Fun Valley Water Park. This is a theme water park with many water slides and fun rides. 21 such rides offer all the thrill and excitement to families. The aqua DJ, roller coaster rides, water rides, and slides, provide so much excitement to children and adults also. There are many other activities to do here and all of these are total fun.
When in Haridwar, you must visit the Pentagon Mall. This is one of the best places in Haridwar to do the shopping and get some entertainment and food. There are 5 floors which have branded clothing and apparel stores, electronic goods stores, home décor and furniture stores, boutique stores and so much more. There is a gaming section where children can play arcade games and sports. You can watch the latest movies in the multiplex cinema hall. The food court offers a comfortable seating area and fast food options to visitors.
Sri Santosh Puri Ashram in Haridwar is one of the best places in Haridwar. Here you can get alternative healing through Reiki, Pranic healing, acupressure, and Ayurvedic massage. Rooms are offered at a nominal cost. There is a library and a garden on the premises. Meals are cooked from fresh ingredients which are grown in the vegetable garden. The ashram also offers courses in Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, and meditation techniques. Lectures are given on Ayurvedic cooking. You can study the Bhagvat Gita, Upanishads, Sanskrit, and Hindi languages in this ashram.
Bara Bazaar is a sprawling bazaar place in Haridwar from where you can get puja items, handicraft items, and other products. Many shops sell ornamental and decorative jewelry, health juices, Ayurvedic medicines, milk-based sweets, snacks, and namkeens. You will find many eateries too, where you can have a quick snack and relish the local Haridwar food dishes.
Vishnu Ghat is among the most peaceful ghats in Haridwar. This ghat is not crowded as the other ghats. That is because this ghat is mostly visited by Vaishna followers who worship Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Ghat is among the cleanest ghats in Haridwar. Vishnu Ghat is one of the best places in Haridwar to soak in the culture and divine bliss of Haridwar. You can buy a snack from various eateries around this ghat. Just sitting at this ghat brings so much peace to the mind. You can buy souvenirs or hand-crafted jewelry from the many shops around this ghat.
One of the best places in Haridwar to go for a jungle safari tour is Rajaji National Park. This park has many animals and birds like the tiger, wild boar, sambar deer, leopards, and barking deer, besides pythons and other creatures. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is part of Rajaji National Park. The elephant safari in Rajaji National Park will take you deep into the jungles where you can spot many wild creatures in their natural habitat.
Important link: best time to visit Haridwar
Rishikesh is one of the holiest towns in Uttarakhand. Together with Haridwar, Rishikesh is a huge tourist d... read more
Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations in Uttarakhand. It is just 35 km from Dehradun and is the... read more
Almora is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand. Almora is famous for its temples and scen... read more
The town of Badrinath in Chamoli, Uttarakhand is one of the immensely holy Char Dham places in India. Badri... read more
Nainital is a very famous hill station of Uttarakhand and also of India. It is situated at an altitude of 2... read more
We are at Shrine Yatra offers best of Dehradun Mussoorie Dhanaulti Tour Package for the Duration of 07 Night /... read more
Shrine Yatra provides a great Haridwar Rishikesh Massoorie Auli Tour Package for Duration: 06 Nights / 07 Days... read more
Our Gangotri Badrinath Tour Package for Duration: 05 Nights / 06 Days and Destination Covered: Haridwar – Ut... read more
Shrine Yatra offers you the scope to wash off your sins in the holy waters of Haridwar and soak in the pilgrim... read more
The Valley of Flowers Trek Package spans over a period of six-nights and seven-days and includes places like D... read more
Chardham Yatra from Haridwar consists of a delightful tour to India’s four scared shrines including Kedarnat... read more